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Temporary foreign workers hold protest in Montreal

A Canadian flag flaps in the wind behind migrant worker Henry Aguirre of Guatemala during a demonstration in Montreal, Sunday, July 23, 2017. Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press

A group of temporary foreign workers and their supporters are protesting what they say is rampant abuse of the rights of agricultural workers.

About two dozens workers and activists gathered in front of Montreal’s St-Joseph Oratory on Sunday afternoon to highlight their cause.

READ MORE: Mexicans – from farm workers to software developers – increasingly look to Canada for jobs

One worker from Guatemala says he ended up making less than minimum wage for a job catching chickens on a Quebec farm since he wasn’t paid for travel.

Through an interpreter, Henry Aguirre added he couldn’t understand his work permit because it was written all in French.

READ MORE: Auditor general finds oversight, enforcement problems of foreign worker program

The activists say workers should be given permanent residency or open work permits so they aren’t limited to one employer.

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The Canadian government has said it is implementing new measures to improve working conditions for temporary workers, including increased inspections and more efforts to inform workers of their rights.

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